Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga says Sri Lanka’s triumph in the World T-20 final in Dhaka on Sunday gave him immense pleasure. Ranatunga added that he was overjoyed as Sri Lanka’s win in the final came against India.
“Any win in a global event is special, but when it comes against India, who want to control the sport, it’s priceless. This win is extremely special as it came against many odds and it will open many eyes,” Ranatunga told The Island yesterday.
“We played our Super Ten games in Chittagong whereas India were in Dhaka right throughout. It gave them an edge as they were used to the conditions unlike us as we had to adjust.”
“Not just this tournament, but on most occasions the ICC makes it easier for India. They play their practice matches and tournament matches up until the last game at one venue whereas other teams do not enjoy such luxuries,” Ranatunga added.
“Not only this World T-20, but even in the last tournament it was the same case. India played all their games at R. Premadasa, whereas a team like Sri Lanka played the first round matches at Hambantota, then moved to Pallekele for the second round and travelled to Colombo to play the semi-final and the final,” Ranatunga noted.
“When they decided to change the structure of ICC and hand more power to India, Australia and England, one of the things that was said was that these three countries had exceptional records at ICC events. That’s far from the truth. They maybe bringing in the money, but I am not too sure whether they have dominated ICC events. How many ICC events have England won over the years and this time both England and Australia were unable to make it to the semi-finals.”
“The Sri Lankan players weren’t in high demand at this IPL auction. The Indians thought that for a club tournament Sri Lankan players weren’t good enough, but by winning the World T-20 our players have shown that we are the best team in the world in this format.”
